For God so loved the world. This verse is the lens through which I look at the Bible. I interpret the verses I don’t understand through John 3:16, Which is how I understand God. God so loved the world. That means everyone. The folks I agree with, the folks I disagree with. The folks who share my theology and politics and the folks who do not share my theology and politics. God loves me. And God loves them. And if God so loved the world, maybe we ought to as well.

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Good morning! It’s good to be with you on this Friday as we continue our journey through John. Just a quick reminder before we dive into today’s session: there will be no Rooted next week. I’ll be flying out on Sunday morning to Dayton, Ohio, to begin my first intensive for my Doctor of Ministry degree. Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on this new chapter. I’m excited to learn and bring back insights to help us grow and remain faithful at St. Matthews. Since I’m unsure of my schedule and setup next week, I’ve decided not to record Rooted, but I might do a few short Facebook Live sessions, although they won’t be tied to our study in John. We’ll resume our regular sessions the following week, on the 26th.

Today, we’re continuing with John 3, focusing on verses 16 through 21.

John 3:16 is arguably the most well-known verse in the Bible. It’s the lens through which I read and interpret Scripture—God’s love for the world and His desire for everyone to have eternal life. “For God so loved the world”—the world, meaning everyone. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s love extends to all, regardless of our differences, beliefs, or backgrounds.

In a time when we’re often told that those who disagree with us are not even worth considering, John 3:16 calls us to remember that God loves everyone. He doesn’t give us an out—His love is universal and unconditional. He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

We often complicate the gospel with additional requirements or purity tests, but the core of the gospel is simple: God’s love, demonstrated through the gift of His Son, is available to anyone who believes. Jesus was sent not to condemn the world but to save it. Those who believe in Him are not condemned, but those who choose darkness over light have already judged themselves.

The choices we make—whether to walk in the light or remain in darkness—have consequences. As C.S. Lewis put it, “Hell is the door that locks from the inside.” God respects our choices, but He also provides us with enough grace to choose the light if we desire it.

Remember how much you are loved. God sent His Son to save you, and He loves everyone else just as much, even those who may drive you crazy on the internet or in life. If God loves the whole world, then we should strive to do the same. Go out and love someone today, and let your love point them to Jesus.

Thank you for being with me today. Don’t forget, we’ll take next week off, but we’ll be back on the 26th to continue with the end of John 3. Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you then!